Composite materials : Composition , properties and clinical applications

After the establishment of composite as a restorative material, there was an attempt to categorise the different composite types according to filler size (Lutz & Philips 1983). This classification does not do justice to today’s composites, since most of the composite materials belong to the nanocomposites, nano-filled composites, nano-filled hybrid composites or micro-hybrid composites. Although knowledge of filler shape and composition are still important, the development of various matrix components necessitates an additional material classification (Tab. I). For many dentists, there is a lack of practical information about subgroups such as siloranes and ormocers. The present paper aims to describe the properties of the restorative resin materials currently on the market and offer assistance with regard to handling and indications.